Getting a diagnosis took several visits to the doctor, but finally an emergency room physician worked out they were suffering from cutaneous larva migrans – or hookworms.

These are parasitic worms that can infect humans in countries with poor sanitation and a warm, moist climate, according to the UK’s NHS medical website.

Hookworm larvae are found in soil that has been contaminated with human or animal faeces. These larvae can infect people whose bare skin comes into contact with the soil.

There are different types of hookworms, but cutaneous larva migrans is caused when the larvae of hookworms found in animals get into human skin. The larvae can’t get any further into the human body but cause the skin to turn red, itchy and painful.

(Image: Katie Stephens, via Facebook)

The couple have since obtained medication from the US to treat the condition (the drug wasn’t licensed in Canada) and have seen some improvement in their feet. At the moment both are using crutches to get around.

According to the Windsor Star, they have been told the infection should subside in a few weeks, but healing the skin damage could take months.